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Travel with Avalon Waterways and receive a Welcome Back Credit of $100 to $250 per person after your trip. The credit can be applied toward a subsequent trip with Avalon Waterways or its sister brands Globus, Cosmos and Monograms. Click here for eligible departures.

Offers subject to change or withdrawal, availability
is limited. Some discounts are not combinable.

River Cruise Itinerary

Day 1 BUCHAREST, ROMANIA
Welcome to Bucharest—the “Paris of the East”

The day is yours to relax and enjoy Bucharest. Spend some free time exploring this fascinating city on your own to discover its trendy shops, cafés, museums, beautiful homes, and churches along Victory Avenue.

Day 2 BUCHAREST
Beautiful Boulevards and Bold History

CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the Romanian capital city of Bucharest with its tree-lined boulevards and Arc de Triomphe—honoring WWI Romanian soldiers. See the Royal Palace Square—the scene of the city’s 1989 riots to overthrow the communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.

Travel to Fetesti to board your Avalon Suite Ship® this afternoon.

FETESTI (EMBARKATION)

Your Balkan Adventure Begins

Explore your Avalon Suite Ship® this evening and enjoy a dinner on board.

DISCOVERY After dinner, attend an onboard Lecture to learn about the Danube Delta.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ST. GHEORGHE (B,D)

Day 3 ST. GHEORGHE. EXCURSION TO THE DANUBE DELTA
A Mighty River’s Entrance into the Sea

CLASSIC Join a small-boat Guided Tour of the best preserved of Europe’s deltas—2,200 square miles of rivers, canals, marshes, tree-fringed lakes and reed islands.

DISCOVERY Enjoy a Special Celebration to mark “Kilometer 0”—the end of the Danube River’s 2,845 km journey—from the source in the Black Forest of Bavaria to its delta into the Black Sea.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CERNAVODA (B,L,D)

Day 4 CERNAVODA. EXCURSION TO CONSTANTA
Romanian Commerce and Cultural Legacies on the Black Sea

Start the day with a Morning Stretch with your Avalon Adventure Host.

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to Constanta, the most important commercial center in Romania, situated on the Black Sea. Visit the Natural History and Archeological Museum to discover the history of early Romanian cultures.

CLASSIC Join a full-day Guided Tour to the former Bulgarian capital of Veliko Târnovo—with its ancient stone houses clinging to the cliffs above the Yantra River. Discover one of the oldest towns in Bulgaria (circa 4300 BC), as well as the Bulgarian Revival architecture in the 15th-century town of Arbanassi.

Later, join your ship in Svistov.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board with a Bulgarian folklore show.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIDIN (B,L,D)

Day 6 VIDIN
Rocks and Ruins—Things of Beauty in Bulgaria

CLASSIC Join Guided Sightseeing in Vidin, followed by a Guided Tour of Belogradchik. Marvel at the remarkable rock formations on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains, sculpted by 200 million years of natural elements.

Before lunch on board, you’ll sail through the spectacular and narrow Iron Gates Gorge—forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania.

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour to Lepenski Vir—an important Mesolithic archaeological site chronicling prehistoric cultures, settlements, and art. Marvel at the ancient discoveries and artifacts, as well as the unique views the site affords of the Danube Gorge.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BELGRADE (B,L,D)

Day 8 BELGRADE, SERBIA
Fortresses and Folklore of Serbia Past and Present

CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Belgrade—where the Danube and Sava Rivers converge— and see the city’s many fascinating sights, including Saint Sava, one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches.

You may choose to join an Optional Guided Biking Tour, or spend remaining free time in Belgrade exploring Knez Mihailova Street—Belgrade’s central pedestrian thoroughfare with many lively cafés, shops, and cultural spots.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO OSIJEK (B,L,D)

Day 9 OSIJEK, CROATIA
History and Culture of Croatia

CLASSIC Join a morning Guided Walking Tour of the city of Osijek, located at the confluence of the Danube and Drava Rivers. Visit Tvrda, the most well preserved fortress of Croatia, home of many educational institutions.

DISCOVERY Attend a musical concert performed by the talented young artists of the music school of Osijek at Franjo Kuhac.

This afternoon you might join a Guided Optional Excursion to the famous marshland area of Kopacki rit, where you can choose among multiple activities such as fishing, biking, or canoeing.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MOHÁCS (B,L,D)

Day 10 MOHÁCS, HUNGARY. EXCURSION TO PÉCS
Underground Tombs and Soaring Music

Start the day with a Morning Stretch with your Avalon Adventure Host.

CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour to nearby Pécs to see its 4th-century Christian underground tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with fascinating murals. You’ll also enjoy an organ concert on your tour.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST (B,L,D)

Day 11 BUDAPEST
The Pearl of the Danube in the Heart of Europe

CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.

Take in the beauty of Budapest while enjoying a free afternoon exploring such famous sights as the Chain Bridge. Get to know the city’s cafés and pubs, or take a hike through the hills above the Danube.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIENNA (B,L,D)

Day 12 VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Vienna Waltzes and the Beautiful Blue Danube

Start the day with a Morning Stretch with your Avalon Adventure Host.

Enjoy sailing the Danube, which shares dozens of miles with Hungary and Slovakia. Relax on the Sky Deck to see the rolling landscape and red-rooftops of the Slovakian capital of Bratislava come into view.

This evening in Vienna, you may choose to join an Optional Excursion to attend a Royal Waltz Concert for
an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B,L,D)

Day 13 VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Royal Collections, and Amusing Attractions

CLASSIC Venture into the Habsburg empire this morning on a Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the historic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace—the Habsburg empire summer home for 300 years.

This afternoon, enjoy free time to take a tram to visit Austria’s Prater amusement park or one of the many museums nearby. You may also decide to borrow a bike from the ship to explore the streets and squares of Vienna, or ride along the banks of the Danube at your leisure.

CLASSIC Join a Guided Walk, and hear the legendary tale of King Richard the Lionheart—who was imprisoned in the castle above the village during the Crusades, OR:

ACTIVE Join a Hike up to the castle ruins with your Adventure Host for a spectacular view of the village, Danube, and the Wachau Valley below.

Enjoy coffee or a cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk.

MELK

Ornate Architecture and Scenic Splendors

CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.

DISCOVERY Enjoy the flavors of the Wachau Valley with a Wine Tasting on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU (B,L,D)

Day 15 PASSAU, GERMANY
Go for Baroque in Passau–Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers Meet

CLASSIC Join an afternoon Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”

Alternatively, join a full-day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart—or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov. Meet your ship back in Passau after your full-day selected activity for sailing.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG (B,L,D)

Day 16 REGENSBURG
Magical Regensburg—Bavaria’s Medieval Miracle

CLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk and see the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.

You may join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Benedictine Monastery in Weltenburg. Spend a free afternoon exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming streets.

DISCOVERY Later, indulge in a Beer Tasting on board.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment after dinner as you cruise toward Roth.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROTH (B,L,D)

Day 17 ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG
Living Heritage and History Lessons

DISCOVERY While sailing to Roth, enjoy an Onboard Lecture about the Main-Danube Canal—linking these two rivers to make a vital connection enabling navigation between the North and Black Seas.

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.

Tonight, relax on board with live entertainment as you sail to Bamberg.

EVENING CRUISE TO NUREMBERG (B,L,D)

Day 18 NUREMBERG. EXCURSION TO MUNICH
A King’s Palace and Town Halls in Modern Munich

CLASSIC Take a full-day Guided Tour of the highlights of fascinating Munich. See Nymphenburg Palace—a former residence of German monarchs, along with the old and new Town Halls of Marienplatz.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG (B,L,D)

Day 19 BAMBERG
One Thousand Years of History in the City of Seven Hills.

CLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of the former home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.

Enjoy free time this afternoon strolling through the city.

DISCOVERY Later, indulge in a Beer Tasting on board.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VOLKACH (B,L,D)

Day 20 VOLKACH
Bavarian Beauty on the Main River

CLASSIC Join a Walking Tour of the quaint town of Volkach with its half-timbered houses and cobblestoned streets.

During lunch time enjoy a relaxing cruise to Kitzingen.

KITZINGEN

Bavarian Wines, Legends, and Myths

CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing Tour and hear about the legend of a Countess, a shepherd, and a monastery. Explore Bavaria’s largest wine-producing area.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG (B,L,D)

Day 21 WÜRZBURG
A Pearl of a Day on the Romantic Road

CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists. Alternatively, you may enjoy free time to take in the charm and culinary specialties of Würzburg. Enjoy live entertainment on board as you set sail.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE (B,L,D)

Day 22 MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
Hidden Gems and Bavarian Beauty of a Main River Village

CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of a picturesque Main River village.

This afternoon relax on the Sky Deck while passing along the beautiful villages on the Main River shores.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAINZ (B,L,D)

Day 23 MAINZ. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG
Castle Walls and the World’s Biggest Barrel of Wine

CLASSIC Take a half-day Guided Tour that includes the magnificent Heidelberg Castle and the Great Vat—the world’s largest wine barrel.

Sail to Rüdesheim while having dinner on board.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM (B,L,D)

Day 24 RÜDESHEIM
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

DISCOVERY Based on your departure, enjoy either a Coffee Tasting or a Wine Tasting.

DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience.

ACTIVE Take a Guided Hike through the vineyards with your Adventure Host, and enjoy the view with a cable car ride back down.

Relax on the Sky Deck for an afternoon cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge to Koblenz. Sail past the legendary rock of The Lorelei—where the siren of mythology sang songs to lure ill-fated sailors.

KOBLENZ

Travel Through 2,000 Years Of Monumental History

Enjoy free time in Koblenz before a relaxing evening on board with dinner.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE (B,L,D)

Day 25 COLOGNE, GERMANY
Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland

Start the day with a Morning Stretch with your Avalon Adventure Host while cruising to Cologne.

CLASSIC Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—explore the Old City and see its soaring twin-steepled Gothic cathedral, OR;

Day 4 Cernavoda. Excursion to Constanta: guided sightseeing, visit the National History and Archaeological Museum in Constanta

Day 5 Rousse. Excursion to Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi: guided sightseeing, visit Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Târnovo, and the Ethnographical Museum and Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi; or guided sightseeing of Rousse, or jogging tour in Rousse

Day 6 Vidin–Belogradchik: guided sightseeing to Vidin’s fortress; and see the rock formations in Belogradchik

Day 10 Mohács. Excursion to Pécs: guided tour and organ concert in Pécs

Day 11 Budapest: guided tour, see Heroes’ Square

Day 12 Budapest–Vienna: scenic sailing, pass through Bratislava

Day 13 Vienna: guided tour

Day 14 Dürnstein–Wachau Valley–Melk: choice of guided walk, or hike up to the castle ruins in Dürnstein; cruise through the Wachau Valley; guided tour of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk; wine tasting on board

This enchanting Danube river cruise from the Danube Delta to Amsterdam is truly an adventure. Glide past quaint towns, beautiful views, and historic buildings along the Danube, Main, and Rhine Rivers—and onshore enjoy guided sightseeing and free time to explore. From Fetesti set sail for the mouth of the Danube River and the exquisite Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s guided sightseeing in Constanta and Bulgaria’s ancient capital of Veliko Tarnovo. Visit the Ethnographical Museum, Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi, and take pictures of Belogradchik’s eclectic group of rock formations and the spectacular scenery of the Iron Gates. A local expert will introduce you to Serbia’s capital of Belgrade, home of the world’s largest Orthodox Church. In Pecs, Hungary, visit the Underground Tombs, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. On this fabulous river cruise, you’ll visit the capitals of two countries: Budapest, Hungary, and Vienna, Austria.

Located in the heart of the Wachau wine region is charming Dürnstein, where you’ll go on a guided walk, and later visit Melk’s famous Benedictine Abbey. This evening, savor some of the famous Wachau wines. In Germany, there is guided sightseeing in Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, and Würzburg. Cruise the Main Danube Canal, a true feat of engineering, and pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. This river cruise vacation concludes in Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam where you get a unique perspective of the city on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age.”

Extra nights per person in Bucharest:
in single room from $153 to $394, in twin room from $85 to $217

Extra nights per person in Amsterdam:
in single room from $249 to $367,in twin room from $160 to $242

Notes

Cabin upgrades are available.

In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.

Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.

Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

*
The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines. Sorry, we are unable to offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the trip origination city, we are able to offer the land/cruise portion of the package at the price quoted.